Sad news for the Geelong foodie scene.
Settled on the north side of Pakington Street in Geelong West, Zigfrids has been a prime dinner date destination for Geelong locals since swinging open their doors seven years ago. Having been forced to close its doors on three separate occasions over the past 12 months due to the coronavirus pandemic and the restrictions placed on hospitality venues, the well-loved restaurant has decided to close its doors for the last time.
The key takeaways
- Zigfrids Dining Hall and Bar has closed its doors
- The restaurant announced the news earlier this week after seven years of business
- Current gift vouchers can be redeemed at sister venue The Aborist
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The restaurant, located at 66 Pakington Street, announced its closure on social media earlier this week.
“We have made the very hard decision to close our doors for the last time,” the restaurant said.
“We would like to thank every one of our lovely guests for your support as well as the beautiful staff we have worked with over the past 7 years.
We are endeavouring to contact all of you that still have bookings with us. For those of you with gift vouchers, you will be able to redeem them at The Arborist or receive a refund. It’s been an absolute pleasure.”
Pairing a moody, low-lit rustic interior with an equally alluring menu and knowledgable, welcoming staff, Zigfrids was somewhat of a hidden gem since opening in February 2014 in an old panel beater building.
Owned by Richard and Donna Flanders, who also run Beav’s Bar and sister restaurant The Aborist, Zigfrids has blossomed over the years with much credit being handed to Head Chef James White. White and his passionate team developed a stunning Modern Australian/Middle Eastern share style menu that was both playful and full of flavour. From whole baby snapper, braised chicken thighs, to just some good old halloumi, dining here was always guaranteed to be a treat.
It’s sad news when any business closes its doors, and the hospitality industry has been one of the hardest hit by the lockdown measures enforced to slow the spread of COVID-19, with consumers across the country ordered to stay home and pubs, restaurants and cafes told to shut their doors at multiple point throughout last year, and again briefly this year for the five-day circuit breaker lockdown. There’s a lot of loss for venues and here’s hoping the rest of 2021 will be their chance to truly flourish.
This announcement follows the news last week that The Workers Club Geelong closed the doors after six cracking years of bringing gigs to the region.
You can visit Zigfrid’s sister restaurant The Aborist here.
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